For millions of people across our country, affording something to eat is an ongoing struggle.
Roughly 1 in 8 Americans rely on the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides monthly food benefits to qualifying families. Those funds can be put toward the grocery budget — helping families avoid tough decisions like having to choose between putting food on the table or paying the utility bill.
The concept of food assistance in the United States dates back more than three quarters of a century. In 1939, during the Great Depression, the government issued food stamps due to high unemployment rates and food surpluses, with the program ending four years later when conditions improved. The concept was revived decades later and became a permanent fixture nationwide when Congress passed the Food Stamp Act in 1964. Since then, millions of families have benefited from this assistance.
This November, the ongoing federal government shutdown was set to put SNAP benefits on hold — meaning that nearly 3 million Floridians are at risk of going hungry, including local seniors who are living on a fixed income. A judge’s order Friday allowed the use of contingency funds to continue SNAP payments, but the tenuous nature of the payments further exacerbates an already pressing need in our community. So far this year, Senior Resource Alliance and its providers have distributed more than 573,000 meals to older adults in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard counties. We expect the call for help to only grow louder in the weeks ahead.
Conversations on how to alleviate food anxieties are happening right now: Senior Resource Alliance has secured nearly $20,000 in funds and 8,000 meals from our partners at U.S. Hunger, and we’re working directly with food banks in the Feeding America network to keep their shelves stocked. We’re also collecting nonperishables at our Orlando office, located at 3319 Maguire Blvd. Suite 100.
We cannot do this alone.
If you’re a local leader or operate in the corporate, government or nonprofit industry, reach out to Senior Resource Alliance so we can address this urgent need together. If you’re not affiliated with a charitable organization, there are other ways to give back. Consider volunteering at a food bank, searching through your pantry for items that can be donated or starting a canned good drive at your workplace. You may already know someone who isn’t sure where their next meal will come from … so check in with them along with older neighbors, family members and friends to see if they need help.
And if you’re one of the thousands of Central Floridians grappling with food insecurity, we’re here for you. When you call our Elder Helpline at 407-514-1800, we can connect you to meal assistance programs and other valuable resources that meet your individual needs. The toll-free service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Together, let’s make sure no one goes hungry.
Karla Radka is the president and CEO of Senior Resource Alliance, the local resource for accessing the many services and programs of the state and federal government.
To inquire about becoming an SRA partner or provider, contact special projects specialist Connor Jones at 407-206-8373 or connor.jones@sraflorida.org.
